Joining U.N. results in 2 issues for Swiss

After holding out for more than half a century, Switzerland joined the United Nations this year -- and two stamps have been issued to commemorate the occasion.
Switzerland was officially admitted as the 190th member of the United Nations on Sept. 10 at the session of the General Assembly. On Sept. 27, independent East Timor was admitted as the 191st member.
A majority of Swiss voters had approved of U.N. membership in a March 3 referendum, after having rejected a similar motion in 1986.
For years, a majority of Swiss believed that belonging to the United Nations would taint their country's long-established neutrality. Still, the country supports most of the United Nation's principles and Geneva is, since 1969, one of two U.N. post offices in Europe; the other is Vienna.
To mark the occasion, Swiss Post issued a 90-centime special stamp featuring the U.N.'s emblem of the globe.
The U.N. Post Office also observed Switzerland's membership with its own 3-franc definitive. Issued last month, the stamp displays doves and the Swiss flag. It will be for use at the U.N.'s Geneva office.
Rose-scented stamps
Swiss Post has scheduled several issues for Nov. 19, including the annual Pro Juventute semi-postal stamps. The five semi-postals depict various roses on two denominations of 70+35 centimes, two of 90+45 centimes and one of 130+ 65 centimes.
The stamps are printed so that, when rubbed gently, a scent of roses will be released.
Last year, Swiss Post heralded the century of its chocolate industry with a special stamp that could emit a chocolate scent. The popular response to that stamp encouraged the latest round of scented stamps, Swiss Post officials said.
The surcharge, or second numeral printed on the stamp, is earmarked for the Pro Juventute Foundation, which provides an assortment of social services.
A 90-centime Christmas stamp features a miniature church from Bohemia made of cardboard with springs of a wreath. When the surface is rubbed, a blend of pine needles, cinnamon, candle wax and cloves is emitted.
Another 90-centime special stamp will promote the Alpine World Ski Championships that will be held Feb. 1-16, 2003, at St. Moritz. The design shows a downhill skier. It will be Switzerland's largest sporting event, with more than 100,000 spectators expected.
Finally, a 70-centime commemorative will help publicize stamp day, an annual event held this year, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, that benefits the hobby. The winning design -- a kingfisher and the Swiss landscape -- was selected by a vote of more than 80,000 voters.
Information on the various Swiss stamps is available at www.swisspost.ch on the Web.
To order the U.N.'s stamp, e-mail unpaun.org or call (800) 234-8672.
XDominic Sama is stamps columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer.